President’s Message
By Connie Pool, F140306
National President
I am happy to report that many people who care about FMCA are working to boost the association in various ways for 2008. This past November, the national committees and the Executive Board/Board of Directors spent two very busy and productive weeks at FMCA headquarters in Cincinnati.
The theme that emerged throughout all the meetings was: We are a great organization; we just need to do a better job of getting the word out to the general recreational public about who we really are and tell them that all motorhome owners are welcome. The free benefits FMCA membership provides far exceed anything offered anywhere throughout the RV club industry. You do the research!
It was extremely gratifying to see the knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm each committee member brought to the discussions. The committee members had done their homework; all had studied the topics and came prepared to share their thoughts and ideas.
Many of the committees discussed how to increase membership. The Marketing Strategy Committee brainstormed on how to improve our recruitment of new members, while the Membership/Member Services Committee studied possible new member benefits. The Education Committee, the Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee, and the Risk Management Committee dealt with providing members the best possible tools to enhance their motorhome lifestyle. The Policy and Procedure Committee, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and the Finance Committee worked to ensure FMCA is functioning properly. The Convention Committee demonstrated it is working hard to provide great entertainment, seminars, vendors, and outdoor displays and is researching plenty of new ideas and opportunities for fun and enjoyment.
Everyone was focused on how we can make our organization better for members, and where we should be directing our resources to ensure our continued success and to increase our growth. The one committee that has been charged with developing a plan to move us forward is the Long Range and Development Committee. But other groups also carried out their same philosophy “” “Let’s get the job done to the best of our ability” “” and they all put forth a tremendous effort before, during, and after the scheduled sessions. I know the effort will continue.
The Long Range and Development Committee outlined the six goals in the Strategic Plan and then applied input we received from members on how to improve FMCA. Members talked to us at open forums held during the association’s 2007 conventions “” the 77th International Convention in Perry, Georgia, and the 78th International Convention in Redmond, Oregon “” and also provided ideas at many of the area rallies. As the actions for the accomplishment of the goals are better defined, the committee will then develop a five-year and 10-year plan for FMCA growth and improvements. The plan will have several measurable ways to see how we’re accomplishing each goal.
Improving chapters and chapter operations will be the focus of open forums held at the 79th International Convention in Pomona, California, this February, and at the 80th International Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, this July. If you are a member of a chapter and plan to be at one or both conventions, check the schedule of activities and attend at least one of the forums. Your thoughts and ideas are needed for FMCA’s future.
Starting next month, you’ll be able to read a column in this magazine about a particular committee; the chairpersons will further explain the processes they go through in performing the business of FMCA. The monthly committee articles will continue through the rest of 2008. These people work hard for FMCA, and it is only right that their efforts are shared with the entire membership.
After the conclusion of the November committee meetings, the Executive Board/Board of Directors held a two-day meeting. The Board consists of FMCA’s four nationally elected officers “” president, senior vice president, secretary, and treasurer “” as well as the 10 area vice presidents, and the immediate past president (non-voting). The executive director serves as a non-voting adviser. I am very pleased with the interaction of the members of the board. All shared their thoughts and concerns over the many issues that were presented and worked for the betterment of FMCA.
Before all these business meetings started, the newly elected officers and their spouses received three days of briefings by the staff and a tour of each set of offices, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the work that is done in each department. For many of these officers, as well as committee members, the November meetings marked the first time they had visited FMCA’s office buildings “” on Clough Pike and on Round Bottom Road. Many of these folks were overheard saying they had no idea how much support the staff provides or the work that goes on behind the scenes to meet the needs of members, volunteers, chapters, and area associations.
I think it also would be beneficial for all FMCA members to get to know the FMCA staff and the work they do to keep our organization the best there is; therefore, I intend to start including in my monthly articles a piece on each division within FMCA. I am sure you will be surprised to learn what transpires on a daily basis.
Finally, I would like to invite all FMCA members traveling in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area to take the opportunity to stop by FMCA’s offices for a visit. However, please note that there is no room for motorhomes in the Clough Pike office parking lot. Do not attempt to drive your coach to this office. Instead, stop at the Round Bottom Road facility, unhook the towed car, and consider spending the night there at the free campground. Yes, one of our best benefits is the free use of our campground sites at the Round Bottom Road office. There are 15 full-hookup sites, and water and a sewer dump also are available. All sites are paved and landscaped and provide 50-amp electrical service. The sites are available to any member on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations are taken) for two nights per month. Since they can be filled during meetings, chapter gatherings, etc., we do encourage you to call ahead to check on availability: (800) 543-3622; ask for Betty Jo, extension 308.
While you are at the FMCA offices, staff members will be more than happy to give you a tour through the facilities. The Clough Pike offices are about five miles from the Round Bottom Road facility.
Remember, all of us are owners of this great association!
Until next month, may all your travels be safe and trouble-free.
House Bill Brings Concerns About Vehicle Towing Capacity
The outdoor recreation community needs to speak up now or face a major power loss. Congress is now considering House Bill 2927, the Hill-Terry Bill, which, if passed, will require vehicle manufacturers to make light trucks and sport-utility vehicles less powerful to meet fuel economy ideals (corporate average fuel economy “” CAFE “”standards). Also under consideration is House Resolution 6, which seems more strictly constructed. The RV industry “” especially the towable segment “” is at a “speak now or forever hold our peace” juncture in our country.
If you value your transportation choices for your family, job, and recreational fun things you do, now is the time to notify your elected representatives and senators. We all want increased fuel economy and increased vehicle safety with less dependence on imported oil. We can and must work hard to achieve these goals, but in a reasonable, balanced way that also respects, values, and preserves the outdoor way of life that is cherished by tens of millions of us.
Visit www.rvact.com to learn more, and then contact your elected officials. We are alerting you to this because of our commitment to cooperate with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), and at the same time to keep our members informed.
“” Max Durbin, chairman, Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee